Easter Cookie Cake, Festive Easter Treat

If you’re looking for a delicious, colorful, and easy-to-make dessert for Easter, an Easter Cookie Cake is the perfect choice. This giant, chewy cookie cake is loaded with festive pastel candies, soft in the center, crispy on the edges, and decorated beautifully for the holiday. It’s a great alternative to traditional cakes and makes for a stunning centerpiece at Easter gatherings.

In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about making an Easter Cookie Cake, including key ingredients and their roles, preparation time, step-by-step instructions, expert tips, presentation ideas, creative twists, a pro tip for customization, and frequently asked questions.

Let’s get started!

Key Ingredients and Their Roles

Each ingredient in this Easter Cookie Cake plays an important role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor.

1. All-Purpose Flour

Flour provides structure and helps the cookie cake hold its shape.

Role: Creates the base and gives structure.
Tip: Do not overmix the flour into the dough, or the cake will be dense.

2. Baking Soda

Baking soda helps the cookie rise and creates a chewy texture.

Role: Acts as a leavening agent for lightness.
Tip: Measure accurately to avoid an overly puffy or flat cookie cake.

3. Salt

Salt enhances the flavors of the cookie cake and balances the sweetness.

Role: Brings out the depth of flavors.
Tip: Use fine sea salt for even distribution.

4. Unsalted Butter

Butter adds richness and moisture, making the cookie soft and flavorful.

Role: Provides moisture, flavor, and chewiness.
Tip: Use room-temperature butter for even mixing.

5. Brown Sugar

Brown sugar gives the cookie cake its signature chewy texture and deep flavor.

Role: Adds moisture and chewiness.
Tip: Use dark brown sugar for a richer taste.

6. Granulated Sugar

Granulated sugar helps create a balanced sweetness and contributes to the slightly crisp edges.

Role: Adds sweetness and lightness.
Tip: A combination of brown and granulated sugar gives the best texture.

7. Eggs

Eggs bind the ingredients together and add moisture.

Role: Helps with structure and softness.
Tip: Use room-temperature eggs for smoother mixing.

8. Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract enhances the cookie’s flavor with a warm, sweet aroma.

Role: Adds depth of flavor.
Tip: Use pure vanilla extract for the best taste.

9. Easter-Themed M&M’s or Candy Coated Chocolate Eggs

These add festive colors and a delicious crunch.

Role: Provide festive color and a fun chocolatey bite.
Tip: Gently press extra candies on top before baking for a decorative touch.

10. White Chocolate Chips or Pastel Sprinkles

These add extra sweetness and an eye-catching look.

Role: Enhances sweetness and visual appeal.
Tip: White chocolate pairs well with the pastel colors of the decorations.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Cooling Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour

This quick and easy recipe lets you prepare a festive Easter dessert with minimal effort.

Ingredients

To make an Easter Cookie Cake, you will need:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 cup brown sugar (packed)
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup Easter-themed M&M’s or candy-coated chocolate eggs
½ cup white chocolate chips
¼ cup pastel sprinkles (optional)

Step-by-Step “Easter Cookie Cake” Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Expert Tip: A springform pan makes it easier to remove the cookie cake without breaking it.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Expert Tip: Whisking aerates the flour, helping the dough mix more evenly.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).

Expert Tip: Creaming the butter and sugars well creates a light, tender texture.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.

Expert Tip: Beat just until combined to avoid overmixing.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.

Expert Tip: Overmixing will make the cookie cake tough, so mix until no streaks of flour remain.

Step 6: Fold in Mix-Ins

Gently fold in the Easter M&M’s, white chocolate chips, and pastel sprinkles.

Expert Tip: Save some candies to press onto the top before baking for a decorative look.

Step 7: Shape and Bake

Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan and sprinkle extra candies on top. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and set in the center.

Expert Tip: The edges should be slightly firm, but the center should look slightly underbaked—it will set as it cools.

Step 8: Cool and Decorate

Let the cookie cake cool completely in the pan before removing and decorating with extra sprinkles or drizzled white chocolate.

Expert Tip: Cooling completely helps the cookie cake hold its shape when sliced.

Presentation Tips

Slice into Wedges: Cut the cookie cake into triangular slices, like a traditional cake.
Drizzle with White Chocolate: Melted white chocolate drizzled on top adds a beautiful finish.
Top with Whipped Cream or Frosting: Pipe pastel-colored frosting around the edges for an extra festive touch.
Serve on a Cake Stand: Displaying it on a stand makes it the centerpiece of your Easter dessert table.

Creative Twists

Looking to change up your Easter Cookie Cake? Try these ideas:

Swap half of the all-purpose flour for cocoa powder to create a chocolate version.

Replace ½ cup of butter with peanut butter for a nutty twist.

Add shredded carrots, cinnamon, and chopped nuts for a cookie cake inspired by carrot cake.

Press mini marshmallows into the dough for a gooey surprise.

Pro Tip for Customization

For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate chips. You can also substitute flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg) for a completely egg-free option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Store it at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Yes, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

3. Can I use different mix-ins?

Absolutely! Chopped nuts, raisins, or even crushed graham crackers work well.

4. How do I keep it from getting dry?

Avoid overbaking and always store in an airtight container.

Conclusion

An Easter Cookie Cake is a fun and festive way to celebrate the holiday. With its chewy texture, colorful candies, and simple preparation, it’s a perfect treat for any Easter gathering. Try this recipe today and bring a delicious, homemade touch to your Easter celebration!